How is Assam CM tackling illegal immigration with deportations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasizes the state's commitment to combat illegal immigration.
- Eight individuals, including Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, have been deported.
- The government is facing criticism for the humanitarian impact of these measures.
- Intensified border surveillance is being implemented to prevent further illegal crossings.
- The economic collapse in Bangladesh is contributing to increased migration.
Guwahati, July 10 (NationPress) Assam's Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced on Thursday that state police have successfully deported eight individuals, including five Bangladeshis and three Rohingyas, back to Bangladesh during an early morning operation.
This group was apprehended in the Cachar and Sribhumi districts prior to their deportation to their homeland.
In a statement on the social media platform X, CM Sarma emphasized, "Safeguarding Assam's interests is our top priority! Illegal infiltrators WILL NOT BE PERMITTED to remain in Assam and jeopardize our identity."
This action underscores the state government's stringent approach towards unauthorized migration, a persistent political challenge in the area.
Authorities have stepped up border monitoring in response to worries about illegal crossings.
However, critics raise concerns about the humanitarian aspects of such deportations, while proponents argue it is essential to maintain Assam's demographic integrity.
Previously, Chief Minister Sarma stated, "We have heightened security forces at the International Border due to unrest in Bangladesh to curb infiltration. The police have been identifying a significant number of illegal immigrants daily along the border; interestingly, no Hindu infiltrator from Bangladesh has been arrested in the past five months."
He pointed out that individuals from the Hindu community migrated from Bangladesh approximately 30 to 40 years ago, and others have remained in the neighboring country for various reasons.
"Most of the Hindu community members who wished to enter India have done so nearly 30 or 40 years ago. The rest of the minority group continue to reside in Bangladesh despite enduring widespread violence in the neighboring country. They likely have their own motivations for staying—perhaps a connection to their homeland or a sense of patriotism towards Bangladesh," he elaborated.
Chief Minister Sarma also observed that the influx of Bangladeshi immigrants surged recently due to the decline of the textile industry in Bangladesh, leaving many unemployed.
He stated that the economic downturn in Bangladesh has disproportionately affected the majority community compared to the minority group.
“To date, we have apprehended around 1,000 Bangladeshi individuals over the last few months, and they were promptly deported following their arrests,” the Chief Minister noted.
He also linked the illegal immigration to incentives provided by some textile industry owners in India.